Whitby mother and son banned from keeping animals for 10 years

Lesley Cameron, 59 and Alexander Cameron, 31, both of Greens Yard, off Church Street, appeared at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

They pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act relating to Tigerlily, who was suffering with a pyometra, a uterus infection.

RSPCA inspector Claire Little said: “On Thursday November 28, I met with officers from North Yorkshire Police to check on Tigerlily, after concerns were raised that she had a pyometra but had missed her last three vet appointments.

“I’ve met Tigerlily many times over many years and she’s a very friendly dog who has always come to the door to meet me.

“Upon entering the room where Tigerlily was lying on the floor, there was a noticeable and unpleasant smell, and she didn’t get up which worried me.

“I encouraged her to stand up so I could check her over, which she did, and she had lost weight from my last visit.

"Immediately I could see that the fur around her back end was wet and dirty.

"As she stood up I could smell the unpleasant smell more strongly and upon closer examination, I saw a greeny milky coloured discharge from her vulva.

"The fur around there was soaked and appeared sticky when touched and her fur was matted.

“Ms Cameron allowed me to take Tigerlily to the vets for examination and she was taken into possession by police on vet advice and placed in RSPCA care pending the outcome of my investigation.”

In addition to the disqualification, a deprivation order was placed on Tigerlily, whose care will now pass to the RSPCA.

Alexander Cameron was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 140 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £200 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

Lesley Cameron was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

She too was ordered to pay £200 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

Insp Little said: “Tigerlily is doing really well with a foster family at the moment I am really happy that we’ll now be able to find a permanent home for her, where her needs will always be met.”